Maszlee urges MOE to lengthen 2021 year-end school holidays

Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik has urged the Education Ministry (MOE) to reconsider the length of the 2021 year-end school holidays after the government lifted the interstate travel ban yesterday.

The former education minister proposed adding at least one more week to the planned three-week school holidays.

He said the measure will provide ample time for teachers to return to their hometowns and undergo preparation for the next semester.

“We note that even though MOE had allocated three weeks of year-end holidays, it is a common practice for schools to recall teachers back at least a week earlier for the preparation of the school opening, which headmasters and principals are allowed to do so.

“Hence with the additional holidays, teachers can return to their hometowns, especially those serving in Sabah and Sarawak but came from the peninsula or those serving in peninsula but came from Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.

Truly prepared

Maszlee added this would make teachers feel more at ease and worth their time and cost, while at the same time they will be given more time to undergo self-quarantine before attending their duties.

“This will ensure our teachers are truly prepared to be on duty and their health is protected, not just physically but mentally as well, and also taking into account the school year of 2021 will be extended to February 2022,” Maszlee said.

On Sept 12, Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin announced the current school term has been extended until March 2022 due to school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Schools in category A will see their year-end holidays start on Dec 10 this year while schools in category B on Dec 11.

All primary and secondary schools in states under Phase 3 and 4 of the National Recovery Plan have currently reopened.

However, only 50 percent of physical attendance at these schools is allowed, as the ministry has put in place a weekly rotation system.